Belgrade Canoe and Kayak
Belgrade, Maine
1-888-CANOE-11
207-495-2005
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LENGTH: The longer a boat, the faster it will be.  It will also track, or go in a straight line, better.  A shorter craft tends to be more maneuverable and are generally lighter and easier to carry.  The average length of a canoe is 16'.  Longer canoes have more cargo space, but they are more difficult to handle in tight situations.  Shorter canoes are more maneuverable and lighter, but not suited for long trips or heavy loads.

WIDTH: The width, or beam, of a canoe is its widest measurement, usually in the middle.  Canoes width are given in two measurements: at the gunwale and at the four inch waterline.  In general, a wider craft is a bit slower but more stable.  Fishermen and photographers prefer wide boats, while paddlers who like to go long distance choose narrower ones for efficiency and speed